Revelation 2:8-11 To the church at Smyrna  Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is "the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life.."  He experienced death and life.. and this church needed the reassurance that they would do the same.. and because He was the "first".. He would be there with them.. and because He is the "last".. they were safely in His Hands.  

The church was experiencing much  "tribulation".  They were suffering.  They felt their "poverty".. deeply.  Yet Jesus called them "rich"!  They had something so much greater than what the world could give them.  They needed to know the extent of the riches of Christ.. the riches of His kindness and forbearance.. His patience and His glory.. His wisdom and His knowledge.  The riches of Christ were theirs to attain.. so that even when they were tested, they would overcome.  "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life." Jesus tells them.  

We have not experienced this kind of tribulation or suffering.. yet.  It may come to America some day.. and we need to be ready for that. But, we know that there are many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering today... sent into prisons, beaten, or even killed.. sometimes by their own families, just for trusting in Jesus. How we need to pray for the persecuted church around the world!  

Father we ask that Your children would be reminded today that Your love reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies!  When they feel forgotten and oppressed, remind them of the riches of Jesus that are theirs forever, preserved for them in heaven where they cannot rust or mold or be stolen away.  You are faithful, Lord, and You will do all that they need so that they will overcome and receive the crown of life. May our hearts be filled with Your love for those we do not know and cannot be with... hear our prayers for them, Lord God, and move with power to bring them into Your riches of Grace.  In Jesus' name we ask this, Amen.